The causes of low levels of vitamin B12 in the body, including dietary factors, malabsorption problems, and certain medical conditions.

Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin, is an essential nutrient that plays a crucial role in red blood cell production, nerve function, and DNA synthesis. Low levels of vitamin B12 in the body, known as vitamin B12 deficiency, can cause various health problems. Understanding the causes of low vitamin B12 levels can help in diagnosis and treatment.

1. Inadequate dietary intake: One of the most common causes of low vitamin B12 levels is a deficiency in dietary intake. Vitamin B12 is found naturally in animal products such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy. Therefore, people who follow strict vegetarian or vegan diets are at higher risk of developing vitamin B12 deficiency. This is because plant-based foods do not contain sufficient amounts of vitamin B12, and the body’s reserves can become depleted over time.

Fact: According to research, around 10-15% of vegetarians and up to 80% of vegans are deficient in vitamin B12.

2. Malabsorption: Another cause of low vitamin B12 levels is malabsorption. Even people who consume adequate amounts of vitamin B12 can experience a deficiency if their body cannot absorb it effectively. Conditions that affect the absorption of vitamin B12 include pernicious anemia, celiac disease, Crohn’s disease, and gastrointestinal surgery. In these cases, the body struggles to absorb B12 from foods or dietary supplements, leading to a deficiency.

3. Medications: Certain medications can interfere with the body’s ability to absorb or use vitamin B12, causing low levels. Examples of these medications are proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), histamine H2 receptor antagonists, and metformin, which are commonly prescribed for acid reflux, gastric ulcers, and diabetes, respectively. These medications can suppress acid production or alter intestinal flora, affecting the metabolism of vitamin B12.

What Causes Low B12?

One of the main causes of low vitamin B12 levels is inadequate dietary intake. Vitamin B12 is mainly found in foods of animal origin such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy products. People who follow a strict vegan or vegetarian diet may be at higher risk of developing a vitamin B12 deficiency if they do not consume fortified foods or take supplements to compensate for the lack of animal products in their diet.

Important note:

Although it is possible that vegans and vegetarians obtain sufficient vitamin B12 through fortified foods or supplements, it is essential to ensure regular control of B12 levels to prevent deficiency.

In addition to an inadequate food intake, another cause of the low level of vitamin B12 is juggling. This may be due to a series of factors, such as certain diseases that affect the absorption of nutrients in the gastrointestinal tract. One of them is pernicious anemia, an autoimmune disease in which the body is unable to produce intrinsic factor, a protein that facilitates the absorption of vitamin B12. Other gastrointestinal disorders, such as celiacy and Crohn’s disease, can also hinder the absorption of B12.

• Strict vegan or vegetarian diet without adequate supplementation.
• Juggling due to medical conditions that affect the gastrointestinal tract
• Use of certain medications that interfere with the absorption of B12
• Gastric bypass surgery or other gastrointestinal surgeries

In some cases, the use of certain medications can cause low levels of B12. Protons pump inhibitors (IBP), usually used to reduce the production of stomach acid, and metformin, a type 2 diabetes medication, are examples of medications that can interfere with the absorption of B12. People who have undergone gastric bypass surgery or other gastrointestinal surgeries may also have a higher risk of B12 deficiency due to the alteration of the digestive system.

1. Inadequate food intake
2. Malabsorption
3. Use of certain medications
4. Underlying medical conditions that affect the absorption of B12

Diet Deficiency: One of the Causes of Low Vitamin B12

A poor diet in vitamin B12 may be due to:

1. Vegan or vegan diets: individuals who follow vegetarian or strict vegan diets have a greater risk of developing a vitamin B12 deficiency. This is because vitamin B12 is predominantly in food of animal origin such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy products.
2. Inadequate intake: even people who consume animal products may not reach the recommended daily intake of vitamin B12 due to bad dietary choices. A diet devoid of vitamin B12 foods can contribute to reducing levels in the body.
3. Malabsorption problems: Some people may have difficulty absorbing vitamin B12. This may be due to certain medical conditions, such as pernicious anemia or gastrointestinal disorders that affect nutrient absorption.

It is important to keep in mind that the lack of vitamin B12 can have serious health consequences, causing symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, memory problems and nerve damage if not.

To prevent and treat a lack of vitamin B12 related to food, it is essential to include foods rich in vitamin B12. Animal sources such as meat, birds, fish, eggs and dairy products are excellent sources of this essential vitamin. For people who follow vegetarian or vegan diets, enriched cereals, nutritional yeast and dairy alternatives of plant origin can be adequate sources of vitamin B12.

In summary, a poor diet in vitamin B12 is one of the main causes of low levels of vitamin B12 in the body. It is essential to guarantee an adequate intake of vitamin B12 through dietary options or supplements to prevent associated health complications.

Pernicious Anemia: Understanding the Silent Intruder

Inadequate absorption of vitamin B12 leads to low levels of this vitamin in the body, which ends up causing pernicious anemia. Pernicious anemia is more frequent in people with certain risk factors, such as those over 60, individuals with a family history of the disease and people with autoimmune disorders such as type 1 diabetes and Addison’s disease. However, it is important to note that not all people with these risk factors will develop pernicious anemia, since genetic predisposition and other factors also influence their development.

Main Causes of Pernicious Anemia:

• Vitamin B12 deficiency due to inadequate food intake.
• Poor vitamin B12 absorption in the small intestine.
• Autoimmune destruction of stomach cells that produce the intrinsic factor.

Pernicious anemia usually goes unnoticed in its early stages, since their symptoms, which can range from fatigue and weakness to numbness and tingling in the limbs, mimic those of other conditions. However, over time, vitamin B12 deficiency can have a significant impact on several bodily functions, including the production of healthy red blood cells, DNA synthesis and neurological health.

Table 1: Common symptoms of pernicious anemia

Early diagnosis and treatment of pernicious anemia is crucial to avoid later complications. If left untreated, this disease can cause irreversible damage to the nervous system and other vital organs. Treatment usually involves regular injections of vitamin B12 or high doses of oral supplements to restore vitamin B12 levels in the body.

Digestive System Disorders

The digestive system plays a crucial role in the breakdown of food and the absorption of nutrients necessary for the proper functioning of the body. However, like any other system, it can be susceptible to various disorders and conditions. These disorders can have a significant impact on a person’s overall health and well-being.

There are several factors that can contribute to the development of digestive system disorders. Some of the most common causes are poor diet, infections, certain medications, autoimmune diseases, and genetic predisposition. Additionally, lifestyle choices such as smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can also contribute to digestive system problems.

Common Digestive System Disorders

• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD): This chronic disease occurs when stomach acid returns to the esophagus, causing symptoms such as heartburn, chest pain, and difficulty swallowing.
• Peptic ulcers: These painful ulcers can develop in the lining of the stomach or the first part of the small intestine, often caused by the bacteria Helicobacter pylori or by the use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs).
• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS): This common disorder affects the large intestine and can cause abdominal pain, bloating, constipation, and diarrhea. The exact cause of IBS is unknown, but triggers can include certain foods, stress, and hormonal changes.

1. Colitis: This condition refers to inflammation of the colon, causing symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and rectal bleeding. It can be caused by infections, autoimmune reactions, or an inadequate blood supply to the colon.
2. Gallstones: These are hard deposits that form in the gallbladder and can cause blockage of the bile ducts. Gallstones can cause severe pain in the upper abdomen, jaundice, and digestive problems.
3. Celiac disease: This autoimmune disorder is characterized by a severe intolerance to gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. In people with celiac disease, gluten consumption can damage the small intestine and cause poor absorption of nutrients and digestive symptoms.

It is essential to point out that adequate diagnosis and treatment of digestive system disorders require a medical evaluation and professional orientation. Any prolonged or worsening symptom must be treated quickly by a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Malabsorption Issues: Causes and Symptoms

There are several possible causes of malabsorption problems that can contribute to low levels of vitamin B12 in the body. A common cause is pernicious anemia, an autoimmune condition in which the body lacks the ability to produce intrinsic factor, a necessary substance for the absorption of B12 in the intestines. Other possible causes are gastrointestinal disorders such as celiacism or Crohn’s disease, which can damage the lining of intestines and interfere with nutrient absorption. In addition, certain medications, such as protons pump inhibitors or metformin, can also affect the absorption of B12. In addition, surgical interventions that imply the removal or derivation of stomach or small intestine parts can alter the normal absorption process.

Causes of jugorction:

• Pernicious anemia
• Gastrointestinal disorders
• Medicines
• Surgical interventions

Malabsorption problems can cause a series of symptoms, such as fatigue, weakness, difficulty breathing, paleness and neurological problems such as tingling or numbness of hands and feet. There may also be digestive symptoms, such as diarrhea, swelling and weight loss. If it is not, the lack of vitamin B12 can have serious consequences for health and general welfare, affecting both physical and cognitive function.

Common symptoms of vitamin B12:

1. Fatigue
2. Weakness
3. Short of breath
4. Pallor
5. Neurological problems
6. Digestive symptoms

Medication Side Effects

A habitual side effect of many medications is the exhaustion of essential nutrients in the body. This can occur due to several mechanisms, such as interference with nutrient absorption, increased nutrient excretion or nutrient metabolism alteration. Low levels of certain vitamins and minerals can cause various health problems. One of these nutrients that can be affected is vitamin B12, also known as cobalamin.

Vitamin B12:

Vitamin B12 plays a crucial role in the production of red blood cells, DNA synthesis and the proper functioning of the nerves. When vitamin B12 levels are low, the person may experience fatigue, weakness, difficulty breathing and numbness or tingling in hands and feet. Low levels of vitamin B12 may be due to medications that interfere in their absorption, such as some antacids, protons pump inhibitors and metformin.

Medications that can cause low levels of vitamin B12:

1. Antacids: Antacids are usually used to relieve acidity and acid reflux symptoms. However, its prolonged use can reduce the secretion of stomach acid, harming the release of vitamin B12 from food.
2. Protons pump inhibitors: Protons pump inhibitors (IBP) are medications that suppress gastric acid production. The prolonged use of IBP can interfere with the absorption of vitamin B12.
3. Metformin: Metformin is a medication that is usually prescribed to control diabetes. Studies have shown that metformin can reduce the absorption of vitamin B12 in the intestines, which leads to lower levels of this essential nutrient.

Alcohol consumption: A Precarious Balancing Act

1. Impact on B12 levels: It is known that excessive alcohol consumption alters the absorption and storage of essential nutrients in the body. One of these nutrients that can be significantly affected is vitamin B12. This vital vitamin plays a crucial role in the synthesis of DNA, red blood cell formation and the proper functioning of the nervous system. When alcohol interferes with normal vitamin B12 absorption and metabolism, it can cause a deficiency of this essential nutrient.

Did you know what? One of the main reasons that explain the low levels of vitamin B12 among inveterate drinkers is the committed capacity of stomach coating to produce intrinsic factor, a protein necessary for the absorption of this vitamin.

To better understand the global impact of alcohol consumption on B12 levels, let’s take a look at the following table:

In general, the impact of alcohol consumption on B12 levels is multifaceted, since it interferes with absorption, transport and storage. It is crucial that people who consume alcohol in a regular or excessive way are aware of these potential risks and take appropriate measures to guarantee optimal levels of B12 for their general wel l-being.

Overview of Vegetarian or Vegan Diet

One of the key nutrients that can be missing in a vegetarian or vegan diet is vitamin B12. Vitamin B12, also known as cobalamine, is necessary for DNA synthesis, red blood cell production and optimal neurological function. It is mainly found in foods of animal origin, so people who exclude these products from their diet have difficulties in obtaining sufficient amounts of this vital nutrient.

Important note: People who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet must be attentive to their vitamin B12 levels and consider the possibility of taking supplements or consuming enriched foods to prevent their lack.

To compensate for the possible lack of vitamin B12, people who follow a vegetarian or vegan diet can opt for plant foods enriched with this nutrient. Among them are certain brands of vegetable milks, breakfast cereals, nutritional yeast and meat substitutes. In addition, vitamin B12 supplements are widely available and can be taken regularly to guarantee adequate intake.

Aging and Decreased Stomach Acid Production

Stomach acidity, also known as gastric acid, is mainly composed of hydrochloric acid (HCL) secreted by parietal cells of stomach cladding.

This powerful acid performs multiple important functions in the digestive process, such as decomposing proteins, activating digestive enzymes and helping to eliminate harmful bacteria and parasites present in the food we consume.

• The production of stomach acid decreases naturally with age, a disorder known as hypochlorhydria.
• This decrease in stomach acid production can cause poor digestion and poor nutrient absorption, including vitamin B12.

1. One of the main reasons for the decrease in the production of stomach acid with age is the gradual loss of parietal cells responsible for acid secretion.
2. In addition to age-related changes, certain lifestyle factors and medical conditions can further contribute to decreased stomach acid production. These include chronic stress, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and the use of certain medications such as proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) or antacids.

It is important to note that low stomach acid production not only affects the absorption of vitamin B12, but can also affect the absorption of other essential nutrients, such as iron, calcium and zinc. Therefore, people experiencing symptoms of vitamin B12 deficiency or who are at risk of low stomach acid production due to aging should consult a healthcare professional for a proper diagnosis and possible treatment options.

LikeDislike

Author of the article

Dr.Greenblatt M.

Medical oncologist at the Robert Larner College of Medicine, MD, at the University of Vermont